As the NFL's annual free agency frenzy comes to a close, it's time for teams to look forward to the year's best and last chance to improve their rosters: the NFL Draft. As April 27th approaches, we'll look at the prospects most likely to transform a franchise's fortunes.
The Player: Jalen Carter, Interior Defensive Lineman
Defensive tackles don't come into the NFL with much more success than Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter. The All-American appeared in 27 games over the past two years, winning a pair of College Football Championships while compiling six sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. He was arguably the best player on a historically dominant Georgia defense that lost one game in two seasons and saw five players go in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Tools:
Carter is an explosive, versatile interior defensive lineman with good girth (314 lbs) and adequate length (6'3", 33.5" arms). He has demonstrated serious explosiveness and power on tape, but he didn't participate at the NFL combine and reportedly appeared sluggish at his pro day. Still, the player teams saw at Georgia should recall effective NFL players like Quinnen Williams and Daron Payne.
The Verdict:
Carter is an incredibly accomplished defensive lineman, but his underwhelming pro day/combine showings and recent arrest for reckless driving are red flags that could scare off teams at the very top of the draft. He could be an elite, valuable interior defender so long as his recent missteps turn out to be minor blips. He'll have a chance to be the first defender off the board come draft day.
Photo Credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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